Costa Rica Species
Schizophyllum commune
FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Schizophyllum commune

Splitgill Mushroom

Fr., 1815

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small fungus with fan or shell-shaped caps, lacking a visible stalk. Its surface is densely hairy and grayish-white. Its most distinctive feature is the gills on the underside, which appear to be split or parted longitudinally and curl outward when dry.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Seta de láminas partidasAbanico blancoCommon split gillSplit-gill polypore

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Agaricales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Schizophyllaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Schizophyllum
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Fr., 1815
Record Completeness
93%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

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EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.

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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.

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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.

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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Year Round

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

It is likely the fungus with the widest geographical distribution in the world. It grows on decaying wood of almost any deciduous tree species and occasionally on conifers, in both temperate and tropical climates.

SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang

Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

It is a saprophytic fungus extremely resistant to desiccation. Its split gills close to protect spore-producing surfaces during drought and open quickly with moisture to release spores again.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

1.0 - 4.0 cm

Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.

No hymenium surface images available.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Hygroscopic gills that open and close mechanically according to ambient humidity.
Hairy surface that traps a layer of air to reduce water loss.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Extreme climate change altering the rehydration cycles necessary for sporulation.
Loss of woody biomass in areas degraded by recurrent forest fires.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

It has over 23,328 distinct sexes, ensuring that almost any encounter between two spores results in a successful mating.
Although too small for culinary use in the West, it is consumed in parts of Mexico, Africa, and Southeast Asia for its elastic texture.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.